It typified Manchester United's afternoon that when the insufficient stoppage time was announced and Erik ten Hag beckoned the crowd to respond, hardly anyone noticed.
There were high hopes for only the third United-Newcastle fixture not to be televised live in the United Kingdom in the last 10 seasons. The previous two were a 4-3 Boxing Day humdinger and Cristiano Ronaldo's second coming. The rights holders got it right.
It would be too easy to excuse the 2pm kick-off time for United's lifelessness, mirrored by many in the crowd. There were a smattering of spoilt boos at full-time, though the loudest were reserved for pernickety referee Craig Pawson.
Also read: Why Ronaldo came off and United made only one sub
Pawson was as dodgy as Fred, though he was not as decisively bad. The strongest of the penalty shouts was Callum Wilson's when challenged overzealously by Raphael Varane.
United should never resort to exaggerated tumbles. Had Jadon Sancho fallen more naturally under contact from Sean Longstaff then the Video Assistant Referee might have been inclined to intervene.
That was how desperate United were. So desperate Ronaldo chanced his arm by 'intercepting' a free-kick and scoring, claiming the ball was play. It was worth a go, as Ronaldo was onside for once. Pawson seemed to savour cautioning Ronaldo.
This run of consecutive Premier League fixtures was always going to be a reliable gauge of United and already qualms about the squad that were expressed during pre-season have come to light. Almost every vertebra of their spine needs reinforcing.
David de Gea continues to either decelerate or kill attacks with his hesitance. Warmly applauded at kick-off on his 500th appearance, he audibly irked some United supporters with his dilatory distribution.
The recognition De Gea and Ronaldo received from Sir Alex Ferguson was also a reminder of what United used to have - the best player in the world and best 'keeper in the world.
Alisson's proactive punt inflicted the first defeat of the season for Manchester City hours after United drew. Some goalies will resent being judged on passing more than shot-stopping but that is how the game has evolved and you cannot stand still. De Gea still does.
When De Gea was at his least committed to United, he was indisposable. Now he is at his most committed, he is disposable. In a Perth hotel in July, he spoke of his wish to end his career at United - "if they let me stay here".
It would be uncharacteristic and bold of United to ignore the one-year option on De Gea's contract and release him after 12 years in the summer. A more decisive club perhaps would. Pep Guardiola ditched Claudio Bravo for Ederson after a year.
Without Christian Eriksen, United do not have a lock-picker and some fans sounded as though they wanted Fred locked up. His removal against Omonia Nicosia last week was greeted chirpily by a section of supporters and Fred's fifth start of the season three days later was worse.
Only United could field a midfield duo of Brazil internationals recruited for £122million and get cowed by Sean Longstaff. Casemiro rallied eventually and crossed with elan for Marcus Rashford to nod wide at the death. With expectations raised after a decent season, Fred is unable to meet them.
At the end of the season, United will have three 30-somethings in midfield and will be in need of a younger and dynamic alternative. Zidane Iqbal, 19, and Kobbie Mainoo, 17, received maiden Premier League squad inclusions at the weekend and the former models his game on Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong may be on the market again and more receptive to extradition amid more woe at Barcelona. Buyer beware after the summer ordeal. United also have to cut their losses of Donny van de Beek, a red flag for those monitoring Eredivisie talent.
Old father time is catching up with Ronaldo, the last few months so chastening there has been a debate in Portugal as to whether he should start at the World Cup. United are more fluid with Anthony Martial at the apex of their attack, only he has started once in the Premier League in the last year and lasted 29 minutes at Everton.
Against Newcastle, Ronaldo dropped needlessly deep, consciously showcasing his flexibility to remain relevant in Ten Hag's frontline. It was also the only position where he would not be flagged.
Ronaldo's removal was scrutinised but the decision was understandable. Rashford was a more threatening figurehead, only he highlighted his incongruity as a centre forward with United's two best chances.
United will need a proven goalscorer next year when Ronaldo rides off into the sunset but have set a dire precedent. Antony, an exorbitant addition at £85.51m, is one-footed and did not switch on the afterburners against Dan Burn - an auxiliary left-back. Imagine the cost of an established No.9 not developed in Holland.
Unless Ethan Laird, thriving on loan at Queens Park Rangers, is entrusted when he returns then United will have to recruit a right-back to support Diogo Dalot, starter of their last 20 games. It is starting to show and both reserves (Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams) are injured.
Williams was in the directors' box on Sunday but Wan-Bissaka was not visible. He hasn't been for some time. Hardly anyone has noticed.
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